ALEXANDER POV
Today, I find myself in my condo in the Philippines, surrounded by the two most important people in my life - Chimi and Ximara. I know that Ximara is not biologically my daughter but I have been her father since the moment Chimi gave birth to her. The bond we share runs deep, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a parent to this incredible little girl.
Truth be told, I had reservations about coming back to the Philippines at this point in time. But Chimi expressed her desire to return, and as her partner, I couldn't deny her that. However, part of me fears that being here might reignite something between her and Maximo, her ex-partner. It's difficult for me not to feel selfish in this regard, as I love Chimi immensely and want her heart to belong solely to me.
Throughout our six years together, I have come to understand that Maximo still holds a special place in Chimi's heart. No matter what I do, it seems nearly impossible for me to replace him completely. Even though Chimi may not openly admit to still loving him, her actions speak louder than words. I can see that she hasn't fully moved on from my friend, and that realization weighs heavily on my mind.
Lost in my thoughts, I am jolted back to reality when someone embraces me from behind. It's Chimi, and as she rests her chin on my shoulder, a smile curves on my lips. I hold her hands tenderly, grateful for the love and comfort she brings into my life.
Suddenly, our attention is diverted by an excited voice calling out "Mommy! Dada!" We turn to see Ximara, our little ray of sunshine, running towards us with a bright smile on her face. Both Chimi and I release each other from our embrace, turning our full attention to our joyful daughter.
"Yes, my little Chimi?" I ask, my voice filled with warmth and affection. Ximara's happiness is contagious, and her words bring an even wider smile to my face.
"My room is beautiful! Super!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with delight. In Italy, where we currently reside, I made sure to maintain our condo here in the Philippines, converting the guest room into Ximara's haven. Despite the physical distance, I want her to feel connected to her roots and have a sense of home whenever we visit.
Chimi and I sleep side by side, even though we are not yet married. Deep inside, I yearn to marry her and make our commitment official, but I also understand the importance of giving her space and respecting her decision if she is not yet ready. Love is patient, and my devotion to Chimi goes beyond formalities or legalities. Our connection is built on trust, understanding, and unwavering support for one another.
As we embrace this chapter of our lives in the Philippines, I am determined to cherish every moment with Chimi and Ximara. Whatever the future holds, I know that we will navigate it together, with love and patience, as a family.
"It's great to see how much you love the room," I replied, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. Ximara's excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. The fairy theme was chosen specifically because it's something she adores.
As hunger started to creep in, Chimi voiced her thoughts about eating outside. I turned my attention towards her, contemplating her suggestion. "Eating outside sounds like a good idea," I responded, considering the convenience and the chance to enjoy a meal together.
Agreeing on our plan, the three of us left the condo and made our way to a nearby mall. Ximara's excitement was palpable as soon as we parked the car. "We're here!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. The mall not only offered us a place to dine but also an opportunity for some family shopping.
Chimi expressed her delight at being able to shop in the Philippines once again. "I've missed shopping here," she playfully remarked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. Her words held a hint of flirtation as she added, "Especially when I'm with my beautiful daughter and, of course, Ximara's very handsome dada!" A mischievous wink followed her statement, drawing laughter from me. In that light-hearted moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and playfulness that filled our lives.
Together, we ventured into the bustling mall, hand in hand, ready to indulge in good food and have a little shopping.
CHIARA POV
The three of us strolled into the bustling mall, with Xander and I flanking Ximara as she curiously observed her surroundings. Xander's keen eye caught sight of a relatively empty restaurant.
"Look, there aren't too many people there," he pointed out, his voice filled with anticipation. Assessing the situation, I agreed that it seemed like a good choice for our meal, considering the lack of a crowd.
Fast forwarding to after we had eaten, Xander announced his need to use the restroom. Both Ximara and I nodded in acknowledgment as he made his way towards the facilities. As Xander disappeared from sight, I turned my attention elsewhere, only to be startled by a familiar voice calling my name.
"Mia?" the voice called out, prompting me to turn and discover the source. To my surprise, it was Luis, and standing beside him was Rhian... with a noticeably protruding belly. It didn't take much to deduce that she was pregnant, evident by her choice of maternity clothes. The sight pierced through me, sending sharp pangs of pain shooting through my heart. In that moment, I struggled to comprehend the emotions rushing through me, aware only of an overwhelming sense of hurt, compelling me to avert my gaze. I sensed that I wasn't the only one taken aback by this unexpected encounter, as their surprised expressions mirrored my own before I quickly shifted my focus away from them.
Ximara, ever perceptive, sensed the tension and directed her innocent question towards me. "Mommy, who are they?" she inquired, her eyes searching for answers.
My peripheral vision caught Luis and Rhian both glancing at Ximara, their presence now an uncomfortable weight upon my shoulders. Panic started to settle in as I grappled with what to do next. However, just as I felt myself drowning in uncertainty, Xander's timely arrival came to my rescue.
"Maximo? Rhian?" he interjected, his voice breaking the tension. Relief washed over me as I heard his steady voice, grateful for his intervention. At that moment, all I yearned for was a swift exit from the situation.
Luis couldn't help but acknowledge our return. "So, you're back," he remarked, directing his attention towards me. I met his gaze, my eyes locking with his, refusing to retreat despite the thunderous pounding in my chest.
"Yeah, I am. We are," I said, mustering a smile as I greeted Luis, pretending as if there was no complicated history between us.
"Uhm sorry but we need to go. Enjoy your Lunch..Maximo and Rhian " Xander quickly chimed in, apologizing for the abrupt departure and wished them an enjoyable meal.
Taking the lead, he guided Ximara and me out of the restaurant, leaving behind the bewildering encounter with Luis and Rhian. As we settled into Xander's car, the atmosphere turned quiet, the silence enveloping us as we made our way home. Surrounded by the stillness, my mind began to wander, lost in a sea of questions.
My thoughts revolved around Maximo and Rhian being at the mall. Did that mean they were married? Did they have other children? How was Ximara, their possible half-sibling, going to factor into all of this? The weight of uncertainty pressed upon me, causing tears to well up. Hastily, I brushed them away, not wanting Xander to see my shattered composure.
Six years had passed since Luis betrayed me, but my heart hadn't fully let go of him. Xander was right by my side throughout those years, supporting and caring for me unconditionally. I loved him deeply, of that there was no doubt, but my feelings for Luis held a different meaning. It was a tangled mess of emotions that left me feeling torn. If only I could command my heart to love and forget, then I would have chosen Xander without hesitation. Yet, it seemed that life had its own plans, playing cruel tricks on us.
Frustration consumed me as I questioned why it was always the people we longed for that never reciprocated our feelings. And what's worse, those who pursued us were met with indifference. Loving Xander wasn't difficult but my love for Luis was a different story, a complex web of conflicting emotions that threatened to engulf me.
I was overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next or how to untangle this muddled mess. Seeing Luis and Rhian together earlier stirred a longing deep within me, a desire to be in Rhian's position, oblivious of the potential hurt it could cause both her and Xander. I should have harbored anger towards Luis for his past betrayal, yet when I laid eyes on him, all I wanted was to envelop him in an embrace. Fortunately, reason prevailed, and I restrained myself from succumbing to those foolish and reckless desires.
Is it really like this? Maybe it is. Perhaps I should just let Luis and Rhian be, as they already seem to have built a family together. Instead, I should focus my attention on Xander and Ximara. Maybe choosing Xander is the right path for me, and I can give him the love that was once reserved for Luis. Maybe Luis and I were never meant to be.
I will try to force myself to forget him, but will I succeed? It only took a month for me to fall deeply in love with Luis, so why is it so difficult to let go? Six years may have passed, but here I am, hasn't fully move on. I feel guilt creeping in, knowing that I am here by Xander's side, yet my thoughts are consumed by Luis.
Suddenly, Xander spoke, interrupting my internal struggle. "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier," he said, his eyes focused on the road. I turned to him, seeing the sincerity in his gaze.
"I'm sorry for my behavior earlier, Chimi," he continued, seeking forgiveness as I remained silent.
"It's okay, don't worry about it anymore," I replied, mustering a smile as he turned to look at me. He smiled back, the tension between us dissipating. He reached out, taking hold of my hand and tenderly kissing it, before returning his attention to the road.
Once again, I found myself gazing out the window, deep in thought. "Chiara Mia Abella, you need to make a right decision about your life!" I scolded myself internally. As for Ximara, it is essential that I eventually tell Luis the truth about her paternity. He deserves to know, as he is her biological father. However, the timing for such a conversation remains uncertain.